Input device backlighting

ABSTRACT

Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guide configured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one or more inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outer layer. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the light guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as a backlight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arranged to have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light from the light guide, one to another.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/033,290 filed Sep. 20, 2013 entitled “InputDevice Backlighting”, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices have been developed to increase thefunctionality that is made available to users in a mobile setting. Forexample, a user may interact with a mobile phone, tablet computer, orother mobile computing device to check email, surf the web, composetexts, interact with applications, and so on. Because mobile computingdevices are configured to be mobile, however, the mobile devices may beill suited for intensive data entry operations.

For example, some mobile computing devices provide a virtual keyboardthat is accessible using touchscreen functionality of the device.However, it may difficult to perform some tasks using a virtual keyboardsuch as inputting a significant amount of text, composing a document,and so forth. Moreover, virtual keyboards consume some screen realestate that may otherwise be used to display content. Thus, use oftraditional virtual keyboards may be frustrating when confronted withsome input scenarios.

SUMMARY

Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or moreimplementations, an input device includes a light guide configured totransmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that areconfigured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one ormore inputs, a connection portion configured to form a communicativecoupling to a computing device to communicate the one or more inputsreceived by the sensor assembly to the computing device, and an outerlayer. The outer layer is disposed proximal to the light guide such thatthe light guide is positioned between the outer layer and the sensorassembly. The outer layer has a plurality of indications of inputsformed using openings in the outer layer such that light from the lightguide is configured to pass through the openings to function as abacklight. The outer layer also has a plurality of sub-layers arrangedto have increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the lightfrom the light guide, one to another.

In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light guideconfigured to transmit light, a sensor assembly having a plurality ofsensors that are configured to detect proximity of an object as acorresponding one or more inputs, and an outer layer formed as a fabric.The outer layer has one or more indications of inputs that areconfigured to be illuminated by the light guide and is positioned suchthat the light guide is disposed between the sensor assembly and theouter layer. A smoothing layer is disposed between the light guide andthe outer layer, the smoothing layer is secured to the outer layerthereby reducing flexibility of the fabric.

In one or more implementations, an input device includes a light source,a light guide configured to transmit light emitted by the light source,a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that are configured todetect proximity of an object as corresponding one or more inputs, anouter layer, and a smoothing layer. The outer layer has one or moreindications of inputs that are configured to be illuminated by thetransmitted light of the light guide and is positioned such that thelight guide is disposed between the sensor assembly and the outer layer.The smoothing layer is disposed between the light guide and the outerlayer. The smoothing layer includes a protrusion configured to cause thelight guide to align with the light source to transmit the light emittedby the light source.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different instances in thedescription and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environment in an example implementationthat is operable to employ the backlight techniques described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts an example implementation of an input device of FIG. 1 asshowing a flexible hinge in greater detail.

FIG. 3 depicts an example implementation showing a perspective view of aconnection portion of FIG. 2 that includes mechanical couplingprotrusions and a plurality of communication contacts.

FIG. 4 depicts an example implementation showing a cross section of theinput device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts an example implementation of the backlight mechanism ofFIG. 1 as including a light guide of FIG. 4 and a light source.

FIG. 6 depicts an example implementation in which the outer layer ofFIG. 4 is shown in greater detail.

FIG. 7 depicts an example implementation showing a smoothing layer asconfigured to mask output of light from a light guide and light source.

FIG. 8 depicts an example implementation in which positioning of lightsources and corresponding masks of a smoothing layer for the inputdevice is shown.

FIG. 9 depicts an example implementation in which a smoothing layer isconfigured to assist alignment of a light guide with a light source.

FIG. 10 depicts an example implementation showing a light guideconfigured to flex in response to pressure applied by the protrusion onthe smoothing layer of FIG. 9 to align the light guide with a lightsource.

FIG. 11 depicts an example implementation in which a smoothing layer isconfigured to reduce wrinkling of an outer layer and reduce the bleedingof light from a light guide.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system generally at that includes anexample computing device that is representative of one or more computingsystems and/or devices that may implement the various techniquesdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Mobile computing devices may be utilized in a wide variety of differentscenarios due to their mobile construction, e.g., configured to be heldby one or more hands of a user. As previously described, however,conventional techniques that were utilized to interact with these mobilecomputing devices could be limited when restricted solely to a virtualkeyboard. Although supplemental input devices have been developed (e.g.,an external keyboard), these devices could be unwieldy and difficult tointeract with in mobile scenarios, including difficulties in viewing theinput device in these scenarios.

Input device backlighting techniques are described. In one or moreimplementations, an input device is configured for use with a mobilecomputing device (e.g., tablet, mobile phone, and so on), such as akeyboard integrated into a cover that is removably connected to themobile computing device. The input device may include a light guide thatis configured to provide backlighting to indications of functions on asurface of the input device. For example, the light guide may beconfigured as a universal light guide such that different indications(e.g., legends) may be indicated on the surface of the input device tosupport different languages, configurations, and so on withoutreconfiguration of the light guide.

Additionally, the input device may be configured to reduce and eveneliminate the “bleeding” of light through an outer surface of the inputdevice, which may help support use of the universal light guide. Thismay include use of inks as part of a smoothing layer at selectivelocations (e.g., near a light source) to reduce transmission of light.In another example, a plurality of layers having different lighttransmission properties may be used to preserve a “look and feel” of theinput device while reducing transmission of light. For instance, layersof increasingly darker shades of a color may be used to support an outerlayer having a light color (e.g., yellow, orange, and so on) whilepreventing transmission of light from the light guide through theselayers. A variety of other examples are also contemplated, including useof a smoothing layers, a light guide alignment mechanism, and so on asfurther described in the following sections.

In the following discussion, an example environment is first describedthat may employ the techniques described herein. Examples of layers thatare usable in the example environment (i.e., the input device) are thendescribed which may be performed in the example environment as well asother environments. Consequently, use of the example layers is notlimited to the example environment and the example environment is notlimited to use of the example layers.

Example Environment

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environment 100 in an exampleimplementation that is operable to employ the techniques describedherein. The illustrated environment 100 includes an example of acomputing device 102 that is physically and communicatively coupled toan input device 104 via a flexible hinge 106. The computing device 102may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the computingdevice 102 may be configured for mobile use, such as a mobile phone, atablet computer as illustrated, and so on that is configured to be heldby one or more hands of a user. Thus, the computing device 102 may rangefrom full resource devices with substantial memory and processorresources to a low-resource device with limited memory and/or processingresources. The computing device 102 may also relate to software thatcauses the computing device 102 to perform one or more operations.

The computing device 102, for instance, is illustrated as including aninput/output module 108. The input/output module 108 is representativeof functionality relating to processing of inputs and rendering outputsof the computing device 102. A variety of different inputs may beprocessed by the input/output module 108, such as inputs relating tofunctions that correspond to keys of the input device 104, keys of avirtual keyboard displayed by the display device 110 to identifygestures and cause operations to be performed that correspond to thegestures that may be recognized through the input device 104 and/ortouchscreen functionality of the display device 110, and so forth. Thus,the input/output module 108 may support a variety of different inputtechniques by recognizing and leveraging a division between types ofinputs including key presses, gestures, and so on.

In the illustrated example, the input device 104 is configured as havingan input portion that includes a keyboard having a QWERTY arrangement ofkeys and track pad although other arrangements of keys are alsocontemplated. Further, other non-conventional configurations are alsocontemplated, such as a game controller, configuration to mimic amusical instrument, and so forth. Thus, the input device 104 and keysincorporated by the input device 104 may assume a variety of differentconfigurations to support a variety of different functionality.

As previously described, the input device 104 is physically andcommunicatively coupled to the computing device 102 in this examplethrough use of a flexible hinge 106. The flexible hinge 106 is flexiblein that rotational movement supported by the hinge is achieved throughflexing (e.g., bending) of the material forming the hinge as opposed tomechanical rotation as supported by a pin, although that embodiment isalso contemplated. Further, this flexible rotation may be configured tosupport movement in one or more directions (e.g., vertically in thefigure) yet restrict movement in other directions, such as lateralmovement of the input device 104 in relation to the computing device102. This may be used to support consistent alignment of the inputdevice 104 in relation to the computing device 102, such as to alignsensors used to change power states, application states, and so on.

The flexible hinge 106, for instance, may be formed using one or morelayers of fabric and include conductors formed as flexible traces tocommunicatively couple the input device 104 to the computing device 102and vice versa. This communication, for instance, may be used tocommunicate a result of a key press to the computing device 102, receivepower from the computing device, perform authentication, providesupplemental power to the computing device 102, and so on.

The input device 104 is also illustrated as including a backlightmechanism 112. The backlight mechanism 112 is representative offunctionality that is configured to emit light from a surface of theinput device 104, such as to illuminate indications of inputs (e.g.,letters of the keyboard as well as a border of the keys, track pad, andso on). In this way, the indications may be viewed in low lightconditions. The backlight mechanism 112 may be implemented in a varietyof ways, further discussion of which may be found beginning in relationto the discussion of FIG. 4 which follows further discussion of anexample of the input device 102 as follows.

FIG. 2 depicts an example implementation 200 of the input device 104 ofFIG. 1 as showing the flexible hinge 106 in greater detail. In thisexample, a connection portion 202 of the input device is shown that isconfigured to provide a communicative and physical connection betweenthe input device 104 and the computing device 102. The connectionportion 202 as illustrated has a height and cross section configured tobe received in a channel in the housing of the computing device 102,although this arrangement may also be reversed without departing fromthe spirit and scope thereof.

The connection portion 202 is flexibly connected to a portion of theinput device 104 that includes the keys through use of the flexiblehinge 106. Thus, when the connection portion 202 is physically connectedto the computing device 102 the combination of the connection portion202 and the flexible hinge 106 supports movement of the input device 104in relation to the computing device 102 that is similar to a hinge of abook.

Through this rotational movement, a variety of different orientations ofthe input device 104 in relation to the computing device 102 may besupported. For example, rotational movement may be supported by theflexible hinge 106 such that the input device 104 may be placed againstthe display device 110 of the computing device 102 and thereby act as acover. Thus, the input device 104 may act to protect the display device110 of the computing device 102 from harm.

The connection portion 202 may be secured to the computing device in avariety of ways, an example of which is illustrated as includingmagnetic coupling devices 204, 206 (e.g., flux fountains), mechanicalcoupling protrusions 208, 210, and a plurality of communication contacts212. The magnetic coupling devices 204, 206 are configured tomagnetically couple to complementary magnetic coupling devices of thecomputing device 102 through use of one or more magnets. In this way,the input device 104 may be physically secured to the computing device102 through use of magnetic attraction.

The connection portion 202 also includes mechanical coupling protrusions208, 210 to form a mechanical physical connection between the inputdevice 104 and the computing device 102. The mechanical couplingprotrusions 208, 210 are shown in greater detail in relation to FIG. 3,which is discussed below.

FIG. 3 depicts an example implementation 300 showing a perspective viewof the connection portion 202 of FIG. 2 that includes the mechanicalcoupling protrusions 208, 210 and the plurality of communicationcontacts 212. As illustrated, the mechanical coupling protrusions 208,210 are configured to extend away from a surface of the connectionportion 202, which in this case is perpendicular although other anglesare also contemplated.

The mechanical coupling protrusions 208, 210 are configured to bereceived within complimentary cavities within the channel of thecomputing device 102. When so received, the mechanical couplingprotrusions 208, 210 promote a mechanical binding between the deviceswhen forces are applied that are not aligned with an axis that isdefined as correspond to the height of the protrusions and the depth ofthe cavity.

The connection portion 202 is also illustrated as including a pluralityof communication contacts 212. The plurality of communication contacts212 is configured to contact corresponding communication contacts of thecomputing device 102 to form a communicative coupling between thedevices as shown. The connection portion 202 may be configured in avariety of other ways, including use of a rotational hinge, mechanicalsecuring device, and so on. In the following, an example of a dockingapparatus 112 is described and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 4 depicts an example implementation 400 showing a cross section ofinput device 104 of FIG. 1. The outer layer 402 is configured to supplyan outer surface of the input device 104 with which a user may touch andinteract. The outer layer 402 may be formed in a variety of ways, suchas from a fabric material (e.g., a backlight compatible polyurethanewith a heat emboss for key formation) as further described beginning inrelation to FIG. 6.

Beneath the outer layer is a smoothing layer 404. The smoothing layer404 may be configured to support a variety of different functionality.This may include use as a support to reduce wrinkling of the outer layer402, such as through formation as a thin plastic sheet, e.g.,approximately 0.125 millimeters of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), towhich the outer layer 402 is secured through use of an adhesive. Thesmoothing layer 404 may also be configured to including maskingfunctionality to reduce and even eliminate unwanted light transmission,e.g., “bleeding” of light through the smoothing layer 404 and through afabric outer layer 402. The smoothing layer also provides a continuoussurface under the outer layer, such that it hides any discontinuities ortransitions between the inner layers.

A light guide 406 is also illustrated, which may be included as part ofthe backlight mechanism 112 of FIG. 2 to support backlighting ofindications (e.g., legends) of inputs of the input device 104. This mayinclude illumination of keys of a keyboard, game controls, gestureindications, and so on. The light guide 406 may be formed in a varietyof ways, such as from a 250 micron thick sheet of a plastic, e.g., aclear polycarbonate material with etched texturing. Additionaldiscussion of the light guide 406 may be found beginning in relation toFIG. 5.

A sensor assembly 408 is also depicted. Thus, as illustrated the lightguide 406 and the smoothing layer 404 are disposed between the outerlayer 402 and the sensor assembly 408. The sensor assembly 408 isconfigured detect proximity of an object to initiate an input. Thedetected input may then be communicated to the computing device 102(e.g., via the connection portion 202) to initiate one or moreoperations of the computing device 102. The sensor assembly 408 may beconfigured in a variety of ways to detect proximity of inputs, such as acapacitive sensor array, a plurality of pressure sensitive sensors(e.g., membrane switches using a pressure sensitive ink), mechanicalswitches, a combination thereof, and so on.

A structure assembly 410 is also illustrated. The structure assembly 410may be configured in a variety of ways, such as a trace board and backerthat are configured to provide rigidity to the input device 104, e.g.,resistance to bending and flexing. A backing layer 412 is alsoillustrated as providing a rear surface to the input device 104. Thebacking layer 412, for instance, may be formed from a fabric similar toan outer layer 402 that omits one or more sub-layers of the outer layer402, e.g., a 0.38 millimeter thick fabric made of wet and dry layers ofpolyurethane Although examples of layers have been described, it shouldbe readily apparent that a variety of other implementations are alsocontemplated, including removal of one or more of the layers, additionof other layers (e.g., a dedicated force concentrator layer, mechanicalswitch layer), and so forth. Thus, the following discussion of examplesof layers is not limited to incorporation of those layer in this exampleimplementation 400 and vice versa.

FIG. 5 depicts an example implementation 500 of the backlight mechanismof FIG. 1 as including a light guide 406 of FIG. 4 and a light source.As previously described, the light guide 406 may be configured in avariety of ways to support transmission of light that is to act as abacklight for the input device 102. For example, the light guide 406 maybe configured from a clear plastic or other material that supportstransmission of light from a light source 502, which may be implementedusing one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light guide 406 ispositioned to receive the emitted light from the light source 502through a side of the light guide 406 and emit the light through one ormore other sides and/or surface regions of the light guide 406.

The light guide 406, for instance, may be configured to output light atspecific locations through use of etching, embossing, contact by anothermaterial having a different refractive index (e.g., an adhesive disposedon the plastic of the light guide 406), and so on. In another example,the light guide 406 may be configured as a universal light guide suchthat a majority (and even entirety) of a surface of the light guide 406may be configured output light, e.g., through etching of a majority of asurface 504 of the light guide 406. Thus, instead of speciallyconfiguring the light guide 406 in this example, the same light guidemaybe used to output different indications of inputs, which may be usedto support different languages, arrangements of inputs, and so on by theinput device 104.

As previously described, however, this could cause bleeding of lightthrough adjacent surfaces to the light guide in conventional techniques,such as through an outer layer 402 of fabric to give a “galaxy” effect,pinholes, and so on. Accordingly, one or more of these adjacent layersmay be configured to reduce and even prevent transmission of light inundesirable locations, an example of which that involves configurationof the outer layer 402 is described as follows and shown in acorresponding figure.

FIG. 6 depicts an example implementation 600 in which the outer layer402 of FIG. 4 is shown in greater detail. In this example, colorsub-layers 602, 604 are illustrated which may be formed from fabrics andform an outer surface of the outer layer 402, e.g., a surface that maybe viewed and contacted by a user of the input device 104. Below theseis a shade darker color sub-layer 606 and a mask sub-layer 608. Thus, inthis example the layers get progressively darker to provide increasingamounts of resistance to light transmission the closer the layer ispositioned to the light guide 408 of FIG. 4. This may be used to supporta variety of different functionality.

For instance, lighter colors may be configured to block less light andtherefore use of these lighter colors by the input device 104 may causeadditional light to “bleed” through these layers. However, in someinstances it may be desirable to use a light color at the outer layer402, e.g., to create a red, yellow, orange, tan or other light coloredinput device. Additionally, if a significantly darker layer is disposedimmediately beneath this fabric layer (e.g., to prevent lighttransmission by using a dark charcoal or black layer for the masksub-layer 608), that darker layer may also be viewable through thelighter-colored fabric.

Accordingly, the share-darker color sub-layer 606 may be utilized thatis the same or similar (e.g., complimentary) in color to the color usedby the color sub-layer 602, 604 but is a shade darker than those layers.In this way, the appearance of the color sub-layers 602, 604 may bemaintained (e.g., such that the mask sub-layer 608 is not viewablethrough this layer) and yet provide for reduced transmission of lightemitted from the light guide 408 of FIG. 4, such as to support use of auniversal light guide as previously described. The mask sub-layer 608may be configured in a variety of ways, such as to have a color of theshade darker color sub-layer 606 yet still be a darker shade than thatlayer, a different color configured to offer increased light absorption(e.g., a dark charcoal or black color as previously described), and soon. Thus, the closer the sub-layer is to the light guide 406 of FIG. 4for these four sub-layers the greater the resistance to transmission oflight from the light guide 406.

A white dry sub-layer 610 and a white wet layer 612 are illustrated asdisposed beneath the mask sub-layer 608. The white dry sub-layer 610 maybe formed from a a dry polyurethane that is bonded to a white wet layer612, formed from a wet bath of polyurethane. The white wet layer 612 maycontain an embedded woven material that may be used to acts as a carrierand provide tensile and structural properties to the outer layer 402 andmay be utilized to provide a plush, cushioned feel to the outer layer402.

An opening 614 may then be formed through the color sub-layers 602, 604,shade darker color sub-layer 606 and mask sub-layer 608, through which,light from the light guide 406 may pass. The light from the light guide406 may also illuminate the white dry and wet sub-layer combination 610,612, e.g., to provide a white backlighting in this example but othercolors are also contemplated. The opening 614 may be formed in a varietyof ways, such as through use of a laser 616 as illustrated, heatembossing, and so on. In this way, the masking supported by the colorsub-layers 602, 604, shade darker color sub-layer 606, and masksub-layer 608 of the outer layer 402 may support use of light guide 406in a universal configuration such that different light guides are notutilized for different indications, e.g., different legends fordifferent languages. Other layers may also be configured to support useof the universal light guide configuration, an example of which isdescribed as follows and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 7 depicts an example implementation 700 showing a smoothing layer404 as configured to mask output of light from a light guide 406 andlight source 502. A light guide 406 is illustrated as receiving lightfrom a light source 502 as previously described. The light guide 406 isconfigured as a universal light guide such that a majority of a surfaceof the light guide 406 is configured to emit light, e.g., throughetching and so on.

The smoothing layer 404 is illustrated as disposed proximal to thesurface through which the light is to be emitted. The light source 502may be configured to output a significant amount of light to providebacklighting to the input device 104, e.g., to illuminate “far away”keys. However, this may also cause light to bleed through the outerlayer 402 near the light source 502, even if configured as described inrelation to FIG. 6. Accordingly, the smoothing layer 404 may also beconfigured to support masking at desired locations at which a bleedingof light is likely to occur, such as near the light source 502 in thisfigure, along the edges of the input device 104, and so on.

The smoothing layer 404 may be configured in a variety of ways tosupport masking. In the illustration, for instance, an ink 702 isprinted on the smoothing layer 404 that is configured to absorb lightfrom the light source 502, e.g., 10-12 microns of black ink. In thisway, light sources 502 may be employed for use in backlighting of theinput device 104 that have a relatively high intensity without causinglight to bleed through a fabric of an outer layer 402 of the inputdevice. Additional discussion of configuration of the smoothing layer tomask light is described as follows and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 8 depicts an example implementation 800 in which positioning oflight sources and corresponding masks of a smoothing layer for the inputdevice is shown. In this example, an input device 104 is shown thatincludes a QWERTY keyboard, although other configurations are alsocontemplated. The input device 104 includes three light sources 802,804, 806, which are shown in phantom along with a correspondingtransmission pattern of the respective light sources.

To address high intensity light output near the three light sources 802,804, 806, the smoothing layer 404 may be configured to include masksformed using ink 702 that is to be disposed adjacent to the lightsources. In this way, light from the light sources 802, 804, 806 may bemasked from transmission through a surface of the input device 104. Itshould be readily apparent that a wide variety of different arrangementsof light sources and masks are also contemplated without departing fromthe spirit and scope thereof, such as to apply the mask along aperimeter of the smoothing layer 404 to reduce bleeding of light at theedges of the input device.

FIG. 9 depicts an example implementation 900 in which a smoothing layer404 is configured to assist alignment of a light guide 406 with a lightsource 502. This implementation 900 is shown using first and secondstages 902, 904. At the first stage 902, layers of the input device 104are shown that include the smoothing layer 404, light guide 406, aprinted circuit board 906 that includes a light source 502, and anadhesive and Mylar layer 908 that is configured to secure the lightguide 406 to the printed circuit board 906. The adhesive and Mylar layer908 are illustrated as having a thickness (e.g., height in the figure)that substantially corresponds to a height of the light source 502. Theadhesive and Mylar layer 908 may be formed in a variety of ways, such asa white material that is configured to reflect light emitted by thelight guide 406. The layers of the first stage 902 may then be assembledas shown in the second stage 904.

At the second stage 904, the layers of the first stage 902 are broughttogether and secured to each other, e.g., through use of an adhesive.This causes a protrusion 910 formed on the smoothing layer 404 tocontact the light guide 406. This causes the light guide 406 to deflect(e.g., bend) toward the light source 502 such that an edge of the lightguide 406 is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source 502in an opening formed between the adhesive and Mylar layer 908 and thelight source 502. Thus, the protrusion 910 may be configured to addressdifferences in positioning of a light source 502 and light guide 406 atdifferent levels within the input device 104 yet still promote thinnessof the input device 104 as a whole. The light guide 406 may beconfigured in a variety of ways to support this bending, an example ofwhich is described as follows and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example implementation 1000 showing a light guide 406configured to flex in response to pressure applied by the protrusion 910on the smoothing layer 404 of FIG. 9 to align the light guide 406 with alight source 502. In this example implementation 1000, a perspectiveview is shown of a top surface of the light guide 406. The light guide406 is disposed above the adhesive and Mylar layer 908 (e.g., which maybe white to promote reflection as previously described), which isdisposed above a printed circuit board 906, to which, the light source502 is secured.

The light guide 406 is configured in this instance to include a tab 1002that is to be deflected as shown in FIG. 9 to align an edge with anoutput of the light source 502. For instance, a tab 1002 may be causedto bend approximately 100 microns to align at an approximate center of a0.4 millimeter height of an output of the light source 502. The lightguide 406 may be configured in a variety of other ways to promote anoptical connection between the light guide 406 and a light source 502,such as a protrusion on the light guide 406 itself that is configured totransmit light and so on.

FIG. 11 depicts an example implementation in which a smoothing layer 404is configured to reduce wrinkling of an outer layer 402 and reduce thebleeding of light from the light guide 406. As previously described,changes made to a surface of a light guide 406 may cause light to beemitted from those areas. For example, adhesives may cause light outputat portions of a surface of the light guide that contact the adhesive.Additionally, the outer layer 402 may be configured as a fabric and thusbe susceptible to wrinkles if not sufficiently secured to a surface.

Accordingly, in this example the smoothing layer 404 is configured tosecure the outer layer 402 in a manner that reduces wrinkling 1102 usingadhesives 1102 at a plurality of locations along a surface of thesmoothing layer 404. The adhesive 1102 may be applied in a variety ofdifferent locations, such as in galleys between indications of inputs onthe input device 104. In this way, the outer layer 402 may form alaminate structure with the smoothing layer 404, thereby reducingflexibility of the fabric and consequently susceptibility of the fabricof the outer layer 402 to wrinkling.

Additionally, adhesive 1104 may also be used to secure the smoothinglayer 404 to the light guide 406. As previously described, however, theadhesive 1104 may cause light to leak from the light guide 406.Accordingly, a surface area of the smoothing layer 404 used to securethe outer layer 402 using the adhesive 1102 is greater than a surfacearea of the smoothing layer 404 that is used by the adhesive 1104 tosecure the smoothing layer 404 to the light guide 406. A variety ofother examples are also contemplated, such as a density of adhesiveusage being greater for the outer layer 402 than the light guide 406 andso on.

Example System and Device

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system generally at 1200 that includes anexample computing device 1202 that is representative of one or morecomputing systems and/or devices that may implement the varioustechniques described herein. The computing device 1202 may be, forexample, be configured to assume a mobile configuration through use of ahousing formed and size to be grasped and carried by one or more handsof a user, illustrated examples of which include a mobile phone, mobilegame and music device, and tablet computer although other examples arealso contemplated. The input device 1214 may also be configured toincorporate a backlight mechanism 112 as previously described.

The example computing device 1202 as illustrated includes a processingsystem 1204, one or more computer-readable media 1206, and one or moreI/O interface 1208 that are communicatively coupled, one to another.Although not shown, the computing device 1202 may further include asystem bus or other data and command transfer system that couples thevarious components, one to another. A system bus can include any one orcombination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processoror local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. Avariety of other examples are also contemplated, such as control anddata lines.

The processing system 1204 is representative of functionality to performone or more operations using hardware. Accordingly, the processingsystem 1204 is illustrated as including hardware element 1210 that maybe configured as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This mayinclude implementation in hardware as an application specific integratedcircuit or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors.The hardware elements 1210 are not limited by the materials from whichthey are formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein. Forexample, processors may be comprised of semiconductor(s) and/ortransistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such acontext, processor-executable instructions may beelectronically-executable instructions.

The computer-readable storage media 1206 is illustrated as includingmemory/storage 1212. The memory/storage 1212 represents memory/storagecapacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. Thememory/storage component 1212 may include volatile media (such as randomaccess memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory(ROM), Flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). Thememory/storage component 1212 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, afixed hard drive, and so on) as well as removable media (e.g., Flashmemory, a removable hard drive, an optical disc, and so forth). Thecomputer-readable media 1206 may be configured in a variety of otherways as further described below.

Input/output interface(s) 1208 are representative of functionality toallow a user to enter commands and information to computing device 1202,and also allow information to be presented to the user and/or othercomponents or devices using various input/output devices. Examples ofinput devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a scanner, touch functionality (e.g., capacitiveor other sensors that are configured to detect physical touch), a camera(e.g., which may employ visible or non-visible wavelengths such asinfrared frequencies to recognize movement as gestures that do notinvolve touch), and so forth. Examples of output devices include adisplay device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, a printer, anetwork card, tactile-response device, and so forth. Thus, the computingdevice 1202 may be configured in a variety of ways to support userinteraction.

The computing device 1202 is further illustrated as beingcommunicatively and physically coupled to an input device 1214 that isphysically and communicatively removable from the computing device 1202.In this way, a variety of different input devices may be coupled to thecomputing device 1202 having a wide variety of configurations to supporta wide variety of functionality. In this example, the input device 1214includes one or more keys 1216, which may be configured as pressuresensitive keys, mechanically switched keys, and so forth.

The input device 1214 is further illustrated as include one or moremodules 1218 that may be configured to support a variety offunctionality. The one or more modules 1218, for instance, may beconfigured to process analog and/or digital signals received from thekeys 1216 to determine whether a keystroke was intended, determinewhether an input is indicative of resting pressure, supportauthentication of the input device 1214 for operation with the computingdevice 1202, and so on.

Various techniques may be described herein in the general context ofsoftware, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such modulesinclude routines, programs, objects, elements, components, datastructures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. The terms “module,” “functionality,” and“component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware,hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniquesdescribed herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniquesmay be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms havinga variety of processors.

An implementation of the described modules and techniques may be storedon or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. Thecomputer-readable media may include a variety of media that may beaccessed by the computing device 1202. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media may include “computer-readablestorage media” and “computer-readable signal media.”

“Computer-readable storage media” may refer to media and/or devices thatenable persistent and/or non-transitory storage of information incontrast to mere signal transmission, carrier waves, or signals per se.Thus, computer-readable storage media refers to non-signal bearingmedia. The computer-readable storage media includes hardware such asvolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media and/orstorage devices implemented in a method or technology suitable forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, logic elements/circuits, or other data.Examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, harddisks, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or other storage device, tangible media, orarticle of manufacture suitable to store the desired information andwhich may be accessed by a computer.

“Computer-readable signal media” may refer to a signal-bearing mediumthat is configured to transmit instructions to the hardware of thecomputing device 1202, such as via a network. Signal media typically mayembody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier waves, datasignals, or other transport mechanism. Signal media also include anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media include wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

As previously described, hardware elements 1210 and computer-readablemedia 1206 are representative of modules, programmable device logicand/or fixed device logic implemented in a hardware form that may beemployed in some embodiments to implement at least some aspects of thetechniques described herein, such as to perform one or moreinstructions. Hardware may include components of an integrated circuitor on-chip system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logicdevice (CPLD), and other implementations in silicon or other hardware.In this context, hardware may operate as a processing device thatperforms program tasks defined by instructions and/or logic embodied bythe hardware as well as a hardware utilized to store instructions forexecution, e.g., the computer-readable storage media describedpreviously.

Combinations of the foregoing may also be employed to implement varioustechniques described herein. Accordingly, software, hardware, orexecutable modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and/orlogic embodied on some form of computer-readable storage media and/or byone or more hardware elements 1210. The computing device 1202 may beconfigured to implement particular instructions and/or functionscorresponding to the software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly,implementation of a module that is executable by the computing device1202 as software may be achieved at least partially in hardware, e.g.,through use of computer-readable storage media and/or hardware elements1210 of the processing system 1204. The instructions and/or functionsmay be executable/operable by one or more articles of manufacture (forexample, one or more computing devices 1202 and/or processing systems1204) to implement techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

Conclusion

Although the example implementations have been described in languagespecific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to beunderstood that the implementations defined in the appended claims isnot necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described.Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms ofimplementing the claimed features.

What is claimed is:
 1. An input device comprising: a light guideconfigured to transmit light; and an outer layer disposed proximal tothe light guide, the outer layer having a plurality of indications ofinputs formed using openings in the outer layer such that light from thelight guide is configured to pass through the openings to function as abacklight, the outer layer having a plurality of sub-layers arranged tohave increasing levels of resistance to transmission of the light fromthe light guide, one to another.
 2. The input device as described inclaim 1, wherein the plurality of sub-layers are arranged in an order ofincreasingly lighter shades as positioned away from the light guide. 3.The input device as described in claim 1, wherein: an external saidsub-layer forms an external surface of the input device; the externalsaid sub-layer has a color; and at least one of the sub-layerspositioned between the external said sub-layer and the light guide has adarker shade of the color.
 4. The input device as described in claim 1,wherein the openings are formed in the outer layer using a laser.
 5. Theinput device as described in claim 1, wherein the light guide is formedwith a printed embossing across a surface of the light guide, theprinted embossing configured to allow the light to be brought outspecific portions of a surface of the light guide such that the specificportions are configured to output light and other portions that do notinclude the printed embossing are not so configured.
 6. The input deviceas described in claim 1, further comprising: a sensor assembly having aplurality of sensors that are configured to detect proximity of anobject as a corresponding one or more inputs; a connection portionconfigured to form a communicative coupling to a computing device tocommunicate the one or more inputs received by the sensor assembly tothe computing device; and a smoothing layer disposed between the lightguide and the outer layer.
 7. The input device as described in claim 6,wherein the outer layer is secured to the smoothing layer using anadhesive and also secured to the light guide using an adhesive.
 8. Theinput device as described in claim 7, wherein a surface area of thesmoothing layer used to secure the outer layer using the adhesive isgreater than a surface area of the smoothing layer that is used tosecure the smoothing layer to the light guide.
 9. The input device asdescribed in claim 6, wherein the smoothing layer includes one or moreportions that are masked to restrict light transmission through the oneor more portions.
 10. The input device as described in claim 9, whereinat least one said portion is disposed proximal to a light source of thelight guide.
 11. The input device as described in claim 9, wherein theone or more portions of the smoothing layer are masked by printing anink on the smoothing layer.
 12. The input device as described in claim6, wherein the smoothing layer includes a protrusion configured to causethe light guide to align with a light source.
 13. An input devicecomprising: a light guide configured to transmit light; an outer layerformed as a fabric that has one or more indications of inputs that areconfigured to be illuminated by the light guide; and a smoothing layerdisposed between the light guide and the outer layer, the smoothinglayer secured to the outer layer thereby reducing flexibility of thefabric, the smoothing layer including a protrusion configured to causethe light guide to align with a light source.
 14. The input device asdescribed in claim 13, wherein: the outer layer is secured to thesmoothing layer using an adhesive and also secured to the light guideusing an adhesive; and a surface area of the smoothing layer used tosecure the outer layer using the adhesive is greater than a surface areaof the smoothing layer that is used by the adhesive to secure thesmoothing layer to the light guide.
 15. The input device as described inclaim 13, wherein the smoothing layer includes one or more portions thatare masked to restrict light transmission through the one or moreportions.
 16. The input device as described in claim 15, wherein atleast one said portion is disposed proximal to a light source of thelight guide.
 17. The input device as described in claim 13, furthercomprising a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors that areconfigured to detect proximity of an object as a corresponding one ormore inputs, and wherein the outer layer is positioned such that thelight guide is disposed between the sensor assembly and the outer layer.18. The input device comprising: a light source; a light guideconfigured to transmit light emitted by the light source; an outer layerhaving one or more indications of inputs that are configured to beilluminated by the transmitted light of the light guide; and a smoothinglayer disposed between the light guide and the outer layer, thesmoothing layer including a protrusion configured to cause the lightguide to align with the light source to transmit the light emitted bythe light source.
 19. The input device as described in claim 18, whereinthe protrusion causes a tab formed in the light guide to bend toward thelight source thereby aligning light emitted by the light source with anedge of the light guide.
 20. The input device as described in claim 18,further comprising a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensors thatare configured to detect proximity of an object as corresponding one ormore inputs, and wherein the sensor assembly includes one or morepressure sensitive sensors.